Public broadcasters or Prince’s Court Rapporteur? Dear Sir and Madam Intendantinnen and directors, rightly resisted recently numerous journalists against a political influence at the ZDF at contract renewal for Mr. Nikolaus Brender. Right, because just the media as”4″ are the last hope for many citizens when it comes to watching the daily politics and to denounce abuses. Also the latest award for “Reporters without borders” once again underlines the importance of a free reporting. As citizens we demand but a matter of course neutral and reputable news coverage in return. This is for us Berliners but increasingly doubtful. It is not about “popular cases” as a shortened broadcast a lSchmitt & Pocher.
As Berlin, we see the nucleus of the democratic polity in question now currently reporting to a choice made, the case is about the Berlin/Brandenburg Public broadcaster, the RBB. Our action Alliance pushed through a referendum with much voluntary use of dedicated citizens, which will occur on June 7, the day of the European elections to vote. The issue is a matter of the heart for the most Berliners, and all interested in culture in Germany: the Tempelhof airport to be UNESCO World Heritage! Actually, one would think that belongs to the reporting about this choice, and even this topic clearly in the Mission of public broadcasting. Despite repeated hints, the RBB regional television has lost so far no word about the upcoming vote. So one can understand of course the term “Secret ballot”. This follows a scheme perfectly: at the “big” Tempelhof referendum 2008 noticed the RBB especially through one-sided and false reporting. Our petition was also ignored in the past up to a distorted sense interview.
However RBB is regularly now, when it is to bring Wowereit’sche effusions among the people. It is now well known in Berlin that RBB, nicknamed “Red phone”, makes love to the mouthpiece of the Berlin Senate. Now, however, this reaches proportions, which are no longer acceptable. Of course, we know that the Berlin Senate Office has declared the reporting around the airport Tempelhof for undesirable. RBB is central organ nor propaganda Ministry of the Berlin Senate. He has a public-service mission and is committed to balance and integrity in his work. It is just task of responsible editors, not bowing to political pressures. Meanwhile, even the employees start to complain about an influence in their work. If a public broadcaster now even to the obstruction of democratic elections can be carried away, clearly exceeded the tolerable level. Then the question clearly to the raison d ‘ etre of the public broadcasting system. Also we will not hesitate to make them according to and in all aspects. We ask you, the issue of serious public reporting within the framework of the ARD to the intendant, to Mrs Dagmar Reim. The current situation is not sustainable in our opinion and suggests for the future bad.